National Research and Development Centre for Riverine & Lake Fisheries, Haa

13/09/2026

09/09/2026

𝐍𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐑𝐋𝐅 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐎𝐉𝐈 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨., 𝐋𝐭𝐝., 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧

The National Research and Development Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries (NRDCRLF), Nyachhu, Haa, warmly welcomed Mr. Tokuji Asakura, Senior Managing Director of OJI Salmon Co., Ltd., based at Ariake-cho, Tomakomai-shi, Hokkaido, in Japan. His visit to the Centre today, was accompanied by a Bhutanese translator/Japanese interpreter and a guide Mr. Pema Wangchuk and logistics arranged from Zhidey Bhutan Tours and Trek.

The visit provided a valuable platform for technical exchange and knowledge sharing on rainbow trout aquaculture, hatchery management and grow-out production. The Centre team made a brief presentation and clarification on the key areas of interest shared by OJI Salmon Co., Ltd. ahead of the visit, covering Bhutan’s trout production and seed-supply system, hatchery and broodstock management, production practices, feed and feeding, water-quality requirements, fish health and biosecurity, and opportunities for technical cooperation.

Following the presentation, the delegation undertook an informal technical discussion and field visit to the Centre’s hatchery and outdoor fish-rearing units, where practical experiences and observations were shared on trout production and farm management. Particular interest was given to the technical feasibility and management practices associated with growing salmon/trout to approximately 3 kg per fish within a production period of around one year, drawing on OJI Salmon’s experience and the Centre’s ongoing interest in improving production efficiency and exploring large-size trout production under Bhutanese conditions.

The interaction also opened avenues for exploring potential areas of technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, human-resource development and possible collaborative pilot trials in freshwater aquaculture.

NRDCRLF appreciates the visit of OJI Salmon Co., Ltd. and looks forward to continued technical dialogue and meaningful collaboration towards strengthening and advancing sustainable cold-water aquaculture in Bhutan.
Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

09/09/2026

As you move on to a new chapter, we would like to express Dasho our sincere gratitude for your leadership, guidance, and dedicated service. Your contributions and support have made a meaningful difference to our work and to all of us who had the opportunity to work with you.

Thank you for your leadership and for the memories we will carry forward. Wishing you continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in your next journey.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

09/09/2026

02/09/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐁.𝐁. 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥'𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦

On 28 August 2026, the Trout Breeding Centre (TBC), under the National Research and Development Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries (NRDCR&LF), Haa, successfully stocked rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at the private trout farm of Mr Birkha Bdr. Kharel, located at Tsahiyangjong village under Kilkhorthang, Tsirang.
A total of 3,500 rainbow trout fingerlings were stocked as part of the Centre’s ongoing seed distribution program to support private trout farmers and promote trout farming development in the country.

Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

28/08/2026

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐧’𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐦 𝐃𝐆’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐑&𝐋𝐅, 𝐇𝐚𝐚

The Hon’ble Director General, Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, visited the National Research and Development Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries (NRDCR&LF), Haa, providing an important opportunity to review the Centre’s ongoing work, technical progress and operational priorities in advancing freshwater aquaculture in Bhutan.
During the visit, Madam DG toured the Centre’s rainbow trout input production and sturgeon seed production facilities and reviewed the progress being made in strengthening domestic capacity for quality aquaculture seedstock and production inputs.
A key highlight of the visit was the Centre’s ongoing work on the hatching, larval rearing and juvenile production of Beluga (Huso huso) and Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). The establishment of these early life-stage production capabilities marks an important milestone towards strengthening the national sturgeon stock base, supporting the Bhutan Sturgeon Farm, and creating a foundation for the future development of high-value sturgeon products, including caviar production in Bhutan.
The Centre also showcased its progress in rainbow trout broodstock management, breeding, hatchery operations, fingerling production, nursery rearing and input supply, highlighting its critical role in ensuring a reliable supply of quality rainbow trout seedstock and providing technical support to emerging trout farms across the country.
The visit also provided a valuable platform for the Centre’s management and technical team to present its key achievements, operational constraints, emerging technical challenges and strategic priorities. Discussions centred on strengthening seed production capacity, broodstock development, biosecurity, water-resource management, production efficiency, infrastructure and quality assurance, while ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of aquaculture inputs.
NRDCR&LF remains committed to strengthening its role as the national technical hub for freshwater rainbow trout and sturgeon seedstock and input production, with emphasis on applied research, technological innovation, quality assurance, capacity building and technical support to the aquaculture sector.
Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

25/08/2026

𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐚, 𝐋𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐛 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠, 𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚

The National Research and Development Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries (NRDCR&LF), Haa, in collaboration with the Dzongkhag Livestock Sector, Dagana, and Lajab Gewog Administration, successfully conducted the stocking of rainbow trout fingerlings at Mr. Bhim Bahadur Gurung’s farm in Bana Chiwog, Lajab Gewog, Dagana.
A total of 9,000 rainbow trout fingerlings were stocked into his 12 newly constructed raceways. With proper management, good-quality feed, and favourable growing conditions, the farm is expected to produce approximately 2 MT of rainbow trout.
This marks another important achievement towards strengthening commercial rainbow trout farming and contributing to the development of Bhutan’s aquaculture sector.
Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

24/08/2026

𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞: 𝐏𝐇𝐏𝐀-𝐈𝐈

The NRDCRLF team, in collaboration with the PHPA-II Environmental team has commenced the Monsoon Fish Monitoring Programme today. The team will be engaged in field monitoring activities over the coming days to assess fish diversity and aquatic ecosystem conditions within the monitoring areas.

Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

01/08/2026

How the introduction of Brown Trout led to the decline of Bhutan’s native Yue Nya

Bhutan’s native fish species called Yue Nya (Snow Trout and also known asla/asala) has seen a significant decline in the years after the introduction of the invasive fish species called the Brown Trout.

Dasho Benji Dorji shares a story from his younger days about how the yue nya population has greatly declined over the span of decades after the Brown Trout was introduced to Bhutanese rivers.

https://thebhutanese.bt/how-the-introduction-of-brown-trout-led-to-the-decline-of-bhutans-native-yue-nya/



https://thebhutanese.bt/how-the-introduction-of-brown-trout-led-to-the-decline-of-bhutans-native-yue-nya/

31/07/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲

On this World Rangers Day, the team at NRDCRLF proudly recognizes and celebrates the dedicated rangers who serve as the guardians of Bhutan's rich natural heritage.

Throughout our aquatic biodiversity assessments, fisheries research, and environmental monitoring, rangers have been our trusted partners in the field. From escorting our teams through remote landscapes to sharing their invaluable knowledge of local ecosystems and ensuring our safety, their support has been instrumental to the successful completion of our fieldwork.

Their commitment, resilience, and tireless efforts on the frontlines of conservation play a vital role in protecting Bhutan's rivers, forests, wildlife, and biodiversity for future generations.

To all the rangers, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your dedication, courage, and service. Thank you for standing at the forefront of conservation and for being an indispensable partner in our mission to conserve and sustainably manage Bhutan's aquatic and natural resources.

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒚!

Department of Forests and Park Services